Eddie Howe: 'Jermain Defoe should make World Cup squad'

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has insisted that Jermain Defoe could contribute for England at the 2018 World Cup.

Defoe has managed 20 goals in 57 appearances for the English national team, but was not included in the squad for last month's international friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy.

Defoe recently urged Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to select him for this summer's tournament, and now the 35-year-old's club manager has talked up a potential spot in the squad.

"I think age is irrelevant. I don't think Gareth will look at the age at all. He'll look at the player, his experience and what he can bring," Howe told reporters. "That's the beauty of Jermain, Gareth knows him inside out. There'll be no risk attached to him.

"I've always said I'll not push anyone towards Gareth. He knows what he wants, he knows his team, the players involved and will make the right calls for him. But there'll be no guessing regarding Jermain's qualities. It'll be up to Gareth to make that decision."

Defoe has scored four Premier League goals in 19 appearances for Bournemouth this season.